Five years ago I bumped into Taco Verdonschot – remember that cake he brought to his Yoast interview? Genius! He was our first dev hire and let’s just say his coding skills weren’t exactly his strong suit. But man I knew from the get-go this guy was a Yoast kind of soul. He gets us you know? He’s become an integral part of the whole Yoast shebang. This week he’s co-organizing WordCamp Europe – a huge leap from those early days. I’m bursting with pride! This little chat I had with him about his WordCamp journey got me thinking – his story is a pretty good life lesson wrapped in WordPress awesomeness.
Taco’s WordCamp Adventures: From Volunteer to Co-Organizer
Taco’s WordCamp saga started at WordCamp Europe in Leiden five years ago. He met tons of people it totally changed his perspective. Then like a domino effect he started organizing WordPress meetups (thanks Barry Kooij!) volunteering at WordCamps and bam – speaking at WordCamp Netherlands in 2015. By 2016 he was a co-organizer focusing on volunteers – the heart and soul of any WordCamp if you ask me. He’s really got a knack for bringing people together.
The magic of WordCamps: It’s the People
WordCamp Sofia stands out for Taco.
The city was stunning the vibe was laid-back and the people were ready to have a blast.
That after-party? Legendary! Apparently even our CEO Joost and Danny van Kooten got in on a limbo competition! Who knew? I never heard about it before either.
Taco’s favorite thing about WordCamps? It’s the people.
He talks about meeting “friends he’s never met before” a tight-knit but incredibly welcoming community.
He says the willingness to help each other is what makes it so special.
That sense of community is something he completely vibes with.
It’s the shared passion for WordPress but also the genuine human connection that makes it all worthwhile.
He’s got a good point.
It’s that mix of passion and camaraderie that makes events truly special.
And those friendships forged over shared experiences are something that can’t be replicated.
WordCamp Europe in Belgrade: Challenges and Triumphs
Organizing WordCamp Europe in Belgrade presented unique logistical hurdles.
It wasn’t in the EU creating challenges for both the team and sponsors.
I mean c’mon no stroopwafels? That’s an outrage! (Kidding mostly). But even with these difficulties Belgrade was a smart choice centrally located and affordable making it more accessible to people from all over Europe.
That’s the real spirit of inclusivity right there.
The Importance of Contributor Days
There’s one thing Taco’s passionate about: contributor days.
For those who don’t know these are days dedicated to working on the WordPress project itself bringing together developers translators marketers and everyone in between.
For Taco they’re crucial.
He sees them as a way for people to get involved in the actual workings of WordPress to learn how to contribute and grow as part of the community.
They are vital and every WordCamp should have one.
He’s a great advocate for this pushing for more inclusivity.
He’s seen firsthand the positive impact that happens when you open up the doors for contributions.
The Speaker Shortage: A Universal WordCamp Struggle
Finding speakers is a common pain point for WordCamp organizers worldwide and Taco gets it.
He strongly encourages people to step up share their stories and present at meetups or WordCamps.
It’s a great way to learn and also to give back to the community.
He’s right it’s a fantastic opportunity for both personal growth and community engagement.
Stepping onto that stage sharing your knowledge it’s really about growth and development.
Plus nothing beats the electric energy of a live audience – it’s a feeling that you can’t put into words.
It’s totally worth pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone to experience.
Hey there, fellow redditors! Want to unlock the secrets to WordCamp success and maybe even score some legendary after-party stories? 🤔 Then you NEED to check this out! This interview is pure gold! Seriously, it’s like a masterclass in community, resilience, and maybe even some sneaky limbo moves. 😉
Lessons Learned from Taco’s Journey
Taco’s journey isn’t just about WordCamps.
It’s a reflection of a larger truth: the power of community the importance of embracing challenges and the rewarding nature of giving back.
His story is something that inspires.
This dude started out not knowing much and look at him now.
He’s a reminder that we all have something unique to offer and that growth often comes from stepping outside our comfort zones.
The Importance of Saying Yes to Opportunities
Taco’s journey teaches us to say “yes” to opportunities even if they seem daunting at first.
His initial hesitations his initial lack of skill in certain areas were all overcome.
That’s the kind of spirit that’s needed to go far.
Hey there, fellow redditors! Want to unlock the secrets to WordCamp success and maybe even score some legendary after-party stories? 🤔 Then you NEED to check this out! This interview is pure gold! Seriously, it’s like a masterclass in community, resilience, and maybe even some sneaky limbo moves. 😉
We’ve all had moments where our self-doubt crept in.
This goes to show that what looks daunting sometimes can lead to extraordinary personal growth.
The Value of Community Involvement
Taco’s deep involvement in the WordPress community highlights the value of giving back.
It’s not just about attending events; it’s about actively contributing sharing knowledge and supporting others.
It’s a rewarding experience that enriches both the individual and the community as a whole.
That’s a lesson we can all take to heart in our own lives.
Check our top articles on 5 questions for Yoast’s community hero Taco
Hey there, fellow redditors! Want to unlock the secrets to WordCamp success and maybe even score some legendary after-party stories? 🤔 Then you NEED to check this out! This interview is pure gold! Seriously, it’s like a masterclass in community, resilience, and maybe even some sneaky limbo moves. 😉
Giving back isn’t just about altruism; it’s a way to connect with something larger than ourselves and to discover new perspectives and passions.
There’s a big return in both personal satisfaction and professional growth.
Embracing Challenges and Learning from Mistakes
Taco’s journey wasn’t without its bumps in the road.
There’s always going to be challenges in life.
He faced setbacks early on in his career but he didn’t let them define him.
His story reminds us that challenges are opportunities for growth and that mistakes are valuable learning experiences.
It’s about resilience adapting to change and always being willing to learn something new.
He’s an embodiment of that resilience – he’s a great example of that you shouldn’t ever give up on yourself.
The Power of Networking
Taco’s success in the WordPress community is a testament to the power of networking.
He’s built relationships with countless people through his involvement in WordCamps and meetups.
Those relationships have opened doors and created opportunities he may not have found otherwise.
It’s something that is invaluable both professionally and personally.
It’s about cultivating relationships and strengthening your support network.
This is something that can be applied to any professional field.
This interview with Taco is more than just a glimpse into the world of WordCamp organization.
It’s a life lesson a testament to the power of community and a reminder that even the most unexpected journeys can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
So here’s to Taco to WordCamps and to the magic that happens when passion community and a little bit of cake come together.
It’s a great example of how to make a positive impact on the world one stroopwafel (or lack thereof) at a time.